Jul 31, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler (12) to end the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Update: The broadcast says the game is now scheduled for a 6 p.m. CT first pitch.
First things first: there’s rain in Cincinnati, so first pitch will not be at the scheduled 5:10 p.m. start time. It sounds like the rain should move out fairly quickly, though, so hopefully it’ll start by about 6 p.m. We’ll keep you updated.
The Brewers are coming off one of the biggest series of the year, a four-gamer which they split with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Before facing off with Chicago for a final time during this regular season, Milwaukee makes a quick jaunt to Cincinnati for three games with the Reds.
For the Brewers, they’ll turn to Shane Drohan, who last pitched on Saturday when he beat the Rangers with five innings of one-run ball. Drohan made a pair of starts against the Reds in late June and early July. He worked 4 1/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts in the first of those (Milwaukee would win 6-5), and went 5 2/3 innings while allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in the second game, another Milwaukee win at 4-2.
The Reds are a little bit hot, having won two series in a row and four of their last six games against likely NL playoff teams, the Cubs and the Padres. Still, they’re the caboose in the NL Central, 1.5 games behind the Pirates. Cincinnati’s starting pitcher tonight is the righty Rhett Lowder. Just 24 years old, Lowder was a first-round pick in 2023 and debuted at 22 the following season. He had an impressive cup of coffee with a 1.17 ERA in 30 2/3 innings but missed most of the 2025 season (and all of the major league season) with elbow and oblique injuries. This season, he’s been healthy, but has struggled a bit: in 24 games (21 of which were starts), Lowder has a 5.14 ERA and 4.64 FIP in 112 innings.
In roster news, reliever Joel Kuhnel — who was designated for assignment after the 30-day limit on his rehab assignment expired earlier this week — was claimed by the Giants. Kuhnel made 10 appearances for the Brewers this season, in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) in 9 2/3 innings. Cheers, Joel, it was fun when you could suddenly throw 99 in Las Vegas.
The calls to move Brice Turang down in the lineup have been heard. Turang is playing tonight, but the struggling second baseman will bat sixth, while the Brewers will try a new lefty at the top of the lineup: Sal Frelick. Jake Bauers bats second, while Christian Yelich is fourth, so the Brewers are cramming lefties at the top of the lineup. Jackson Chourio hits third with William Contreras fifth; Garrett Mitchell, Cooper Pratt, and David Hamilton round out the lineup.
As mentioned, first pitch was scheduled for 5:10 p.m. but with rain in Cincinnati, it won’t start then. Right now, they’re saying they’ll meet and talk about it around 4:45, but the rain may be done by 6:00. The game is on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 6: A general view of the Coors Light Silver Bullet Bar on the rooftop before a game between the Colorado Rockies and the Washington Nationals on Opening Day at Coors Field on April 6, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming off a good series in Los Angeles (any winning series there is good), the Cardinals make their only 2026 trip into Denver this weekend for a three-game set. Grandkids will be in tow as I take in these games in person. The Rockies appear to be playing out the string, prepping more for next year than competing this year. But those pesky Cardinals won’t quite go away. If nothing else, this team has shown admiring resilience in the face of adversity. If playing meaningful games in September is instructive, this team should learn a lot about itself. 21 games left. If they can torch the Dodgers the way they did at their place, anything can happen.
The venue
Can’t have a series in Denver without noting the unique park factors that influence the games played. Overall, Coors field adds about 12% more offense than the “average” park. For reference, the next most prolific offensive environment is Fenway Park, which adds 3%. Quite a jump to Coors. An interesting feature of the outfield is that it more the doubles the incidence of … triples, at 207 (100 is average).
Hard hit percentages, xwOBAcon and stuff are just above league average, so it’s not like anyone the ball harder, just that it travels farther (9% more homers) and bounces around a lot larger outfield (all those tripes and 24% more doubles).
The opponent
The Rockies stand at 54-86, second worst record in baseball (1 game better than the hapless Angels), hoping for another high, high draft pick. Not like many of the others have helped much. They need a different strategy. Run prevention is this team’s biggest flaw. Their main focus right now appears to be trying to avoid a fifth straight 100-loss season. In comparison, I feel spoiled being disappointed in a fourth straight non-playoff season.
They are coming off a series win against … the Orioles, who were coming off a good series against…the Cardinals.
Their offense is surprisingly middling given the 12% goose when they get play half their games at Coors. Goodman, Rumfeld and McCarthy are their main offensive threats. Their rotation has been surprisingly stable, but not great as the lowest ERA is 5.38. Lorenzen, Sugano, Freeland and Feltner are their main starters.
The pitching probables
Friday 9.3 – 740pm CDT – Pallante vs. RHP Ryan Feltner (5.84 ERA)
Saturday 9.4 – 710pm CDT – Liberatore vs. RHP Mason Adams (3.00 ERA, a newcomer from the White Sox org)
Sunday 9.5 – 210pm CDT – Leahy (or McGreevy) vs. RHP Tanner Gordon (5.18 ERA)
Alexander Isak’s early quick-fire double gave Andoni Iraola his first win as Liverpool manager
The teams are out! Ipswich in blue, Liverpool in red. A wonderful start-of-the-weekend, possibly-a-few-pints-to-the-good atmosphere under the lights at Portman Road! Not long now. In the meantime, here’s Dave Estherby with some pre-match words of encouragement for Liverpool:“Not really sure what’s going on upstairs at Anfield. Another summer where they’ve spaffed money up the wall for unproven PL players without realising they need a goalkeeper, two full backs, a centre half, two forwards, a winger and a replacement for whatever Mac Allister is supposed to do. AND back up for Ekitike who probably won’t play until the new year at least. Shambles. I feel sorry for Iraola, he couldn’t really turn them down but it might end up a backwards step.”
Pre-match postbag. “Leaving aside Liverpool’s less than imperial start to the season, you have to admit that’s a very tasty teamsheet on offer tonight - the right blend of youth, experience, Hungary’s answer to Bryan Robson and a World Cup winner in the middle of the park, a striker coveted by Man City, a Champions League winner on the bench and in Wirtz our very own Juan Sebastian Veron!” – Peadar de Burca
Jul 31, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan (55) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler (12) to end the sixth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
First things first: there’s rain in Cincinnati, so first pitch will not be at the scheduled 5:10 p.m. start time. It sounds like the rain should move out fairly quickly, though, so hopefully it’ll start by about 6. We’ll keep you updated.
The Brewers are coming off one of the biggest series of the year, a four-gamer which they split with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Before facing off with Chicago for a final time during this regular season, Milwaukee makes a quick jaunt to Cincinnati for three games with the Reds.
For the Brewers, they’ll turn to Shane Drohan, who last pitched on Saturday when he beat the Rangers with five innings of one-run ball. Drohan started against the Reds once this year, on July 1, and went 5 2/3 innings while allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts. Milwaukee won that game 4-2.
The Reds are a little bit hot, having won two series in a row and four of their last six games against likely NL playoff teams, the Cubs and the Padres. Still, they’re the caboose in the NL Central, a game and a half behind the Pirates. Cincinnati’s starting pitcher tonight is the righty Rhett Lowder. Just 24 years old, Lowder was a first-round pick in 2023 and debuted at 22 the following season. He had an impressive cup of coffee with a 1.17 ERA in 30 2/3 innings, but missed most of the 2025 season (and all of the major-league season) with elbow and oblique injuries. This season, he’s been healthy, but has struggled a bit: in 24 games (21 of which were starts), Lowder has a 5.14 ERA and 4.64 FIP in 112 innings.
In roster news, reliever Joel Kuhnel—who was designated for assignment after the 30-day limit on his rehab assignment expired earlier this week—was claimed by the Giants. Kuhnel made 10 appearances for the Brewers this season, in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) in 9 2/3 innings. Cheers, Joel, it was fun when you could suddenly throw 99 in Las Vegas.
The calls to move Brice Turang down in the lineup have been heard. Turang is playing tonight, but the struggling second baseman will bat sixth, while the Brewers will try a new lefty at the top of the lineup: Sal Frelick. Jake Bauers bats second, while Christian Yelich is fourth, so the Brewers are cramming lefties at the top of the lineup. Jackson Chourio hits third with William Contreras fifth; Garrett Mitchell, Cooper Pratt, and David Hamilton round out the lineup.
As mentioned, first pitch was scheduled for 5:10 p.m. but with rain in Cincinnati, it won’t start then. Right now, they’re saying they’ll meet and talk about it around 4:45, but the rain may be done by 6:00. The game is on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Catcher Adley Rutschman #31 and pitcher Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate a 6-5 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 03, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’re all grown-ups here (speaking personally … sort of?). On that dark day in early August where Adley Rutschman was traded to the Boston Red Sox for four prospects and a backup catcher, I comprehended the cold, rational logic of the deal. Perhaps injuries would keep the O’s 2019 1/1 guy from ever being a true MVP, the way he could have been. Perhaps, at 28, the catcher’s best days were behind him. And Boston really did throw a generous passel of prospects at the Orioles, such that I can believe O’s GM Mike Elias really did mean it when he said he wanted Adley as an Oriole “forever” in July, then changed his mind upon seeing the return.
But it’s been hard for me watching this weekend series, seeing Rutschman in a Red Sox uniform—thriving, no less, as his two home runs Thursday night were the difference makers in the O’s’ 6-5 loss, their third loss in a row at a crucial time when they’re fighting for their season. I can’t help but feel like a dumped ex who sees their old partner happily going around with someone new. (I know he’s batting .170 as a Red Sock, but that doesn’t change Thursday’s result.)
You could feel it last night, building from Adley’s first at-bat, the weird mix of conflicting sentiments. Oriole Park faithful did the right thing, with nearly 20,000 fans in attendance, plenty of them wearing his old No. 35 (he’s wearing 31 in Boston now). When he stepped into the box in the first inning, the Orioles played “Alive” by Kid Cudi, his walk-up song for years, and home plate umpire Paul Clemons let it run. For nearly a minute, Rutschman looked around the park, tipping his helmet appreciatively, a moment that gave an eerie echo of his of MLB debut in May 2022, when he, too, had stood, emotional, at the plate and did a 360-degree turn to take it all in. Three pitches later, the O’s old catcher hit a home run to right—the first of two on the night, his first multi-homer game since he beat the Red Sox with two of his own back in April, albeit now on the other side of it.
“It was special to feel that kind of love,” Rutschman said after the game. “Emotional moment and really special. Just a really, really special moment.”
A sort-of skirmish has since broken out among Orioles fans on the interwebs: should we root for Adley as a Red Sock? On the one hand, it’s not like he requested a trade. But did the front office have to deal him to the Red Sox? A fellow Wild-Card contender? In the AL East? (Yesterday, if I’d been in attendance, I might have cheered the first round-tripper and not the second.) The deal with a rival, and impending prospect of thirteen doses of Dark Adley a season, add a note of bitterness that, to me, wasn’t there when also-face-of-franchise Manny Machado was dealt in 2018 to the LA Dodgers en route to the San Diego Padres, where he’s since had an All-Star-worthy career over eight seasons.
As for the trade itself, was it the right call from a baseball point of view? It’s still hard to say, and if Rutschman proves a terror in the AL East, hitting bombs off Orioles pitchers for seasons to come, it’ll certainly feel like a self-inflicted wound. Was the trade justifiable? Absolutely. It was a generous haul, with a SI Boston writer who seems prone to jumping to conclusions already calling the trade a potential “disaster“ for the Red Sox. Umm, okay. Though, to be sure, the new prospects look pretty good: Anthony Eyanson has a 1.51 season ERA for Double-A Chesapeake, and Enddy Azocar is crushing it in High-A Frederick, with a .353 average in 21 games. (It’s soon to say about 18-year-old OF Harold Rivas, assigned to the FCL Orioles, or Kyson Witherspoon, pitching well before he hit the IL with shoulder impingement.)
But the rational, value-adding, WAR-crunching perspective can’t be all of it. Adley was never just a special talent, the way Jackson Holliday is; he was the face of the franchise. Smart, affable, funny, a guy who gives great copy in interviews. A leader, full stop. Even Thursday, playing spoiler in the building that used to be his, he found a way to be gracious about it, which somehow made the whole night sting more (in my opinion), not less. Adley was supposed to lead the Orioles’ rebuild after forty years in the desert and see it through to completion. Now Baltimore faithful are stuck cheering (genuinely, with lots of meaning well) for a guy currently being paid to hurt them.
In the end, Baltimore experienced two terrific regular seasons with Adley Rutschman behind the plate, winning 101 games and the AL East in 2023 and returning to the postseason in 2024. But those teams failed to produce a single postseason victory. Instead, the team stalled out right when it was supposed to, in Elias’s own words, “lift off.” (I’m sorry for reaching for that phrase again; I know it’s just beating a dead horse at this point.) The starting pitching let us down. Or maybe it was the situational hitting. Or injuries. Or too much platooning, leaving lineups vulnerable with bad, niche hitters parked in key spots when it mattered. Whatever it was, Rutschman was supposed to be here when the Orioles finally finished the job.
The failure to keep Adley Rutschman—or, glaringly, to make a playoff run with him on the roster—says less to me about swinging-and-missing in the 2019 draft, and more about a general failure of the front office’s vision. Was the trade haul generous? Absolutely. Did injuries threaten to sap Rutschman of MVP potential? Sure, although we’ll see what he does in the seasons to come. But despite all that, it feels hard to shake the feeling that the real story here is that the Orioles organization failed Adley, not the reverse.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 18: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on July 18, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This week, time ceased to exist—at least how we know it—allusions abounded, and we put on our beer goggles in anticipation of what’s to come. How bright will that future be? Will Kel’el Ware grab his opportunity with both hands? And if Brayden Burries looks in a mirror, does he see Dwyane Wade?
Conceits aside, we really wanted to see just how highly Bucks fans rate Burries. He received ample praise for his Summer League play, leading to him being ranked by ESPN as the player “who will prove to be the biggest draft steal,” but even in that article the write-up angled on his older age, status as a combo-guard, and the Bucks “sorely needing the injection of backcourt talent” rather than actually considering how good he might become. Author Jeremy Woo even felt the need to include the disclaimer that his vote went to Kingston Flemings. This isn’t new, either. Pre-draft, it seemed every scouting report described Burries as a “high floor” player, with the implication being that his ceiling isn’t all that high—at least in comparison to the top end of his draft class.
As it turns out, Bucks fans think he’ll be pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
Clearly, that “high floor” descriptor has made its way into our collective consciousness, with only 4% of fans thinking he’d cap out as a reserve player. Beyond that floor, fans see his ceiling as considerably high, with 41% predicting he’ll become an All-Star:
Nicknackpattywhack: I think he definitely can be at least All Star caliber if not more. This team has a lot of players to sift through and I hope they let him get as many minutes as possible to help move his development along.
While many see Burries as a key piece, a significant portion of fans (33%) think this means he’ll be a starter extraordinaire (or even just starter):
naveed2000s: I don’t think he’ll ever quite get to all-star, but that’s inherently a popularity contest, nice flex for hall of fame votes and a nice feather in the cap, but not everything. I foresee Burries as a guy that can come in and contribute right away, play decent to solid defense, be a 15 ppg career guy and take over games at times, basically a number three option on a good team level player.
Mitchell Maurer: Brayden Burries might not be as flashy as other NBA guards but he strikes me as someone who’s going to be steady, consistent, and reliable. Derrick White developed this reputation in San Antonio, though he never took more than a supporting scoring role. Derrick White is a top-10-percentile outcome for Burries, that would be outstanding!
And while some fans rightfully feel I’m overly optimistic, it turns out I’m not the only one who thinks Burries has “it”—22% see him reaching All-NBA status:
R984: I’m all in on the Burries hype train. All NBA. The crazy point guard class kinda buried him and guys with unusual body types are often overlooked, but I think if Burries was 10lbs lighter with 2 inch larger wingspan, in a normal draft, he would’ve been a top 3 pick.
Knuckles: I am going All-NBA. I could jump into why I think his ceiling is sky high (and will at some point) and why we have reason to be excited to see what he even can do this year, and how his physical profile is something to get excited about alone, and so on and so on, but I actually want to take the All-NBA stance because honestly, as a fan, anything else feels a bit disingenuous.
retired janitor: In the 8 past seasons, as you know, the NBA has had 8 different champions. Of those 8 teams, only two had their best player drafted in the top 6 (LeBron, Tatum). That means 75% of those teams were lead by an alpha that the NBA completely underestimated their future potential. I think Burries has that desire to cross the gap and I can’t wait to see the growth.
Starter, All-Star, or All-NBA, one thing we can all agree on is that the Milwaukee Bucks are lucky to have Burries. And with games around the corner—preseason is just a month away!—we don’t have to wait long to see that potential start to play out. While we do, let’s see just how Burries stacks up against his teammates—our annual Ranking the Roster series returns next week!
Check out FanDuel, the official sportsbook of SB Nation.
Chris Paul spent some of the best years of his career with the Clippers. USA Today Sports
“What’s interesting about that whole situation is, it’s probably one of the most disrespectful things that I’ve endured,” Paul said on the “Build or Break” podcast.
“I’ve been through a lot of wild stuff in my career, and having older kids and a wife who’s very tapped in, and they know the daily goings on as far as that team and that organization. Obviously I was upset, but my family, my people, everybody…”
“I think just because of the investment we made in the team for as long as we have, and to see the way stuff was handled. What it lets you know is that no matter what you do or what you’ve done, nobody cares.”
Chris Paul says the Clippers’ handling of his exit was one of the most disrespectful things he has endured
“What’s interesting about that whole situation is, it’s probably one of the most disrespectful things that I’ve endured”
Chris Paul was cut by the Clippers in December during what was supposed to be his final NBA season. NBAE via Getty Images
He spent parts of six seasons with the Clippers, earning five All-Star selections with the organization. But that wasn’t enough for the Clippers to retain Paul for the entire 2025-26 season.
In December, Paul was notified he was cut in the middle of the night during a road trip in Atlanta. Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations, said the team parted ways with Paul because of the dismal 5-16 start and overall underperformance from the team.
Chris Paul discussed the Clippers’ decision to cut him during his retirement season. Getty Images
But there was reportedly friction within the organization regarding Paul’s vocal leadership style and tension with head coach Tyronn Lue. Paul attempted to host events for the team to bond, such as a Halloween party and a suite at the Rams game, but had little turnout.
The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
We are continuing to look at potential options for the Sabres, now that veteran Patrick Kane has returned with Chicago. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Kekalainen ideally is looking for someone who could make up as much of the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, or someone who can fill the leadership gap and/or add some snarl and sandpaper to the middle-six, either before the start of the season or before the NHL Trade Deadline.
Veteran Mats Zuccarello was surprisingly not brought back by Minnesota last season, after playing seven seasons with the Wild. The 39-year-old has remained remarkably productive when most of his contemporaries are retiring. Playing alongside Kirill Kaprizov, the diminutive winger has averaged 63 points over the last five seasons and last season posted 54 points (15 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games, along with nine points in eight playoff games.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff is familiar with the winger, as he was an assistant in New York from 2017-19 while Zuccarello was with the Rangers. He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, with a $1 million base salary, $5.5 million in performance bonuses, and a full no-trade clause.
The Kings are considered a club that will challenge for a wild card spot in the Western Conference, but if they struggle, it is possible that GM Ken Holland will shop his rentals (Corey Perry, Joel Armia, Darcy Kuemper, and possibly Drew Doughty) before the trade deadline.
ROAD WARRIORS: The Cubs are 38-31 on the road this season, including 6-5 in first games of road trips. They are only 10-12 on Friday but 6-5 on Friday on the road. They are 37-30 against teams that had a winning record going into games but 15-17 on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
GET ON THE BOARD FIRST: The Cubs are 48-20 when they have scored first, including 23-12 on the road. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
HITS vs. K’s: They won last night despite making only three hits while striking out seven times. They 18-44 with fewer hits than strikeouts, 10-3 with the same number of each and 51-15 with more hits than whiffs. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Shōta Imanaga, Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge combine on a no-hitter against the Pirates at Wrigley Field, the first Cubs no-no at home in 52 years. The Cubs win the game 12-0 as Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong both homer and have three hits. It happened two years ago today, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2024.
Well. Personally, if I were making the decisions for the Cubs, I would not have Shōta Imanaga make this start. He’s been back to bad Shōta lately, with a 7.13 ERA and 1.528 WHIP over his last four starts, with eight (!) home runs in 17.2 innings, yikes. But also 23 strikeouts over that span, so who knows?
Imanaga has not faced the Marlins since 2024 and that team has had a major makeover since. Only one current Marlins player, Otto Lopez, has ever faced him, and Lopez is 0-for-5. Maybe that will be helpful for Shōta. We can hope, anyway.
This is Janson Junk’s sixth MLB season but his first as a fulltime starter and the results have been meh: 20 starts (21 games), 4.11 ERA, 1.301 WHIP. He doesn’t strike out a lot of guys (16 percent K rate) but doesn’t walk many either (6.4 percent walk rate). So Cubs hitters should look to put the ball in play.
His only career appearance against the Cubs was two innings of relief two years ago when he was with the Brewers. Junk was with Milwaukee in 2023 also, so Craig Counsell might have some familiarity with him.
Please visit the Marlins site Fish On First. If you do go there to interact with Marlins fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
Shortstop Francisco Lindor has had one of his worst defensive seasons, but Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns sees it as an aberration and has no doubt about the veteran’s place in the team.
“No question,” Stearns said on Friday when asked if he had any questions about Lindor being the Mets’ everyday shortstop for the 2027 campaign.
“Certainly a few more mistakes than we’re accustomed to seeing,” Stearns said bout the defensive miscues that raised the question about Lindor. “I think a lot of the underlying stuff is still pretty good. And uncharacteristically, he just hasn't completed a lot of some of the plays that he normally completes. I really don't think there's anything more in there than that.”
Through 82 games and 708.1 innings at shortstop this season, Lindor has committed 10 errors, with a minus-5 defensive runs saved, minus-2 outs above average, and a minus-1 fielding run value. He ranks in the bottom 10 among MLB shortstops in all four of those categories (minimum 500 innings). But Stearns sees Lindor returning to being closer to a top 10 defensive shortstop like he was in 2025.
“I think we're going to be looking at a shortstop next year who completes those plays at the rate we’re usually seeing him complete. So I'm not concerned about that one,” the Mets’ top baseball man said.
Of course, age and health are a factor. Lindor, who turns 33 in November, had a tough run of luck this year with a hamate bone injury that required surgery in February and a calf strain that held him out for two months from April to June. Stearns figures that it is "possible" the time out early impacted his play, but that’s something Lindor would never admit to.
'Francisco's never going to use that as a crutch," Stearns said. "But observationally, he has had such a disjointed season. And at every step along that, he has wanted to come back as quickly as possible to help the team. And that's the right decision, but there are tradeoffs there.
"And it's possible we're seeing some of those tradeoffs defensively."
The club will also hope that a better run of health will help him rebound in the batter’s box, as well. The numbers are down from recent years when Lindor ranked as one of the team's best hitters, as he entered Friday with 28 extra-base hits and 36 RBI with a .231/.316/.424 slash line for a .739 OPS (106 OPS+, 107 wRC+).
And Lindor is performing better of late, which could speak to the idea that missing time early in the year impacted his ability in all facets of his game. The notoriously slow starter is batting .244 with 10 home runs and 24 RBI and a .802 OPS in 43 games since the All-Star break.
The Mets have Lindor signed through the 2031 campaign at $32.5 million for each of those seasons.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 12: The on-deck circle of the Philadelphia Phillies before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on April 12, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The logo is being used for the team's City Connect uniforms being worn for the first time. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A pivotal four-game series against the Atlanta Braves begins on Friday night with both teams will having their ace on the mound.
Cristopher Sanchez gets the ball for the Phillies. He’s coming off a start where he pitched seven shutout innings against the Angels.
With the 2026-27 season almost here, former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph is still an unrestricted free agent.
Joseph still being unsigned at this point in the summer comes after he spent the 2025-26 season with the Vancouver Canucks. In 31 games with the Pacific Division club during last season, he posted one goal, six points, and a minus-16 rating.
With Joseph having a decent amount of NHL experience, the possibility of him landing a professional tryout (PTO) from an NHL team before the start of the season should not be ruled out. He could be a decent depth addition for an NHL club if he earned a contract for the season.
Joseph appeared in 171 games over two stints and five seasons with the Penguins, where he recorded eight goals, 30 assists, 38 points, 114 blocks, and 186 hits. He also had the best season of his NHL career with the Penguins in 2022-23, as he set career highs with five goals, 16 assists, and 21 points in 75 games.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see where Joseph ends up landing. At just 27 years old, he should be able to find a new home, whether it is with an NHL team or overseas.
The 2026-27 NHL season is rapidly approaching, as it is now September.
However, with the new campaign getting closer, a former Chicago Blackhawks forward is still looking for his next contract: Brandon Saad.
Saad still being a free agent comes after he had a tough 2025-26 season with the Vegas Golden Knights. In 49 games with the Pacific Division club last season, he recorded just three goals and nine points. This comes after he had 13 goals and 30 points in 72 games split between the St. Louis Blues and Golden Knights during the 2024-25 season.
While Saad had a tough year in 2025-26, the possibility of him landing at least a professional tryout (PTO) from an NHL team should not be ruled. He has had a solid NHL career and could be a decent addition for a team that is looking for more forward depth and experience.
Due to this, it would not be particularly surprising if Saad is able to land a PTO or even a contract from an NHL team by the start of training camps. If not in the NHL, he could be a nice addition for an overseas club if he wants to continue his career.
In 428 games over seven seasons and two stints with the Blackhawks, Saad posted 114 goals, 127 assists, 241 points, and a plus-27 rating. He also won the Stanley Cup twice with Chicago.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers react during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Seven of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 17, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country.
We asked, you answered. Fans once again expect the Cleveland Cavaliers to have multiple All-Stars next season.
Nearly 60% of voters predicted that Cleveland will have two All-Stars. Another 21% went above and beyond, voting that three or more Cavaliers will make it to the big game.
The rest of the pie includes 20% of fans who said only one Cavalier will make it — while 2% of fans might need to cheer up a bit. Zero All-Stars would mean disaster.
If the majority of fans are right, then this would be the third time this decade that Cleveland has had more than one player in the All-Star Game. Both Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland made it in 2021, while Donovan Mitchell was joined by Garland and Evan Mobley in the 2025 season.
Mitchell, of course, has made it each season that he’s been in Cleveland.
I assume most fans have Mitchell as a lock to be in the game again. From there, fans are expecting either Mobley, Allen, or James Harden to join him. Though one of the comments suggested Sam Merrill as a dark-horse contender.
I can’t say I agree… but I’d be thrilled if that was the outcome.
Mobley is the most likely candidate to join Mitchell, in my opinion. The former DPOY played at an All-Star level for the second half of last season. All he needs is to stay healthy and confident, as the rest of his game speaks for itself. He’s an elite defender with a budding offensive game that should continue to be an emphasis for Cleveland.
Harden also makes sense as a candidate. He has the reputation of a first-ballot HOFer. That means the barrier for entry is a bit lower, as voters will be more willing to reward him yet again if he’s having another productive season.
This would be Harden’s 12th All-Star appearance if selected next season.
Allen is more of a reach. Though injuries could open the door for him. I’d say the same for Peyton Watson, who would need to make a huge leap in order to be considered for the game.
All this said, multiple All-Stars would bode well for Cleveland’s title chances. FanDuel currently has them eighth in title odds. That would definitely improve if they entered two or more stars next season.
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 03: Evan Carter #32 of the Texas Rangers celebrates with teammate Wyatt Langford #36 and Cody Freeman #39 after the Texas Rangers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field on Thursday, September 3, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kelcee Skoug/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for September 4, 2026 against the Tampa Bay Rays: starting pitchers are Trevor Williams (opening for Kumar Rocker) for the Rangers and Nick Martinez for the Rays.
Texas looks to build on yesterday’s success game. Our old pal Nick Martinez is facing his former club for the first time since 2023, when he made two relief appearances against the Rangers within three days of each other, and for just the third time in his career.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Seager — SS
Langford — LF
Nimmo — RF
Duran — 2B
Burger — 1B
Carter — CF
Freeman — 3B
Diaz — C
7:05 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are -113 favorites.
